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Monday, July 13, 2015

#Alzheimers 60% of ALZ or other dementia will wander some will die- some will suffer injury

What you can do to keep yourself and your loved ones safe-

Technology has come a long way and their are some great options available that are made specifically for people with cognitive impairments that can be used in the home or in a facility. Let me know if you would like more information.

Alzheimer's (terminal disease- latter stages may be appropriate for hospice benefits) disease destroys brain cells responsible for memory, thinking and behavior. As a result, people living with Alzheimer’s or a related disorder may become disoriented and lost, even in their own neighborhood or places that are familiar to them – this is known as wandering. Due to confusion, individuals with Alzheimer’s who wander are often unable to ask for help, leaving them vulnerable to weather, traffic and those who prey on the less fortunate.

More than 60 percent of those with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia will wander, and if a person is not found within 24 hours, up to half of individuals who wander will suffer serious injury or death.

A person with dementia may be at risk for wandering if he or she:

Comes back from a regular walk or drive later than usual

Tries to fulfill former obligations, such as going to work

Tries or wants to "go home" even when at home

Is restless, paces or makes repetitive movements

Has a hard time locating familiar places like the bathroom, bedroom or dining room

Acts as if doing a hobby or chore, but nothing gets done (moves around pots and dirt without actually planting anything)

Acts nervous or anxious in crowded areas, such as shopping malls or restaurants

If you live with or care for a person with dementia, here are a few tips to help you reduce the risk of wandering:

Move around and exercise to reduce anxiety, agitation and restlessness

Ensure all basic needs are met (toileting, nutrition, thirst)

Carry out daily activities, such as folding laundry or preparing dinner, to provide daily structure

Reassure the person if he or he feels lost, abandoned or disoriented

Avoid busy places that are confusing and can cause disorientation, such as shopping malls

Place deadbolts either high or low on exterior doors

Control access to car keys (a person with dementia may not just wander by foot)